ESPN details Florida State's 'Season-Defining' game of 2023
In this story:
There is a ton of hype surrounding the Florida State Seminoles heading into 2023. The 'Noles finished last season 10-3 and second in the ACC last year, topped with a 35-32 Cheez-It Bowl victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. When it was all said and done, FSU finished with a No. 11 AP ranking while landing at No. 10 in the coach's poll.
With potential Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Jordan Travis leading one of the most explosive offenses in the country and a defense that returns nearly all of its production, I imagine head coach Mike Norvell and Co. will be tossing darts at a calendar as well as they look to take the ACC crown.
READ MORE: Seminoles Back on the Field Following Spring Break and Create Turnovers In the Process
So what game on the 2023 schedule will the team, fans and media outlets worldwide look at when it is all said and done?
ESPN has put out a list of "season-defining games" for all top-25 teams Andrea Adelson thinks the rematch against the LSU Tigers could be paramount for the Seminoles.
"There were plenty of questions about the Seminoles headed into the (2022) season, and none of them were centered around whether they could win 10 games," Adelson wrote. "But beating LSU in New Orleans showed this would be a different type of Florida State team and a different season. A loss there, and who knows what happens."
Last year's opener ended in a thrilling blocked PAT to prevent the Tigers from taking the game into overtime. Even though Florida State was slight favorites in that matchup, the 'Noles would take over New Orleans in the 24-23 victory, setting the path for their first 10-win season since 2016.
"Now, this matchup to open 2023 could be even bigger as both teams have high expectations. The hype is there for Florida State and a win would only serve to continue the hype train." Adelson added.
FSU faces a challenging start to its schedule, going on the road to Camping World Stadium to face the Tigers before coming home to face Southern Miss. After that, it's back-to-back road games to start conference play against Boston College and Clemson Tigers followed by a bye week before running another gauntlet.
Now, a top-20 showdown does sound enticing as one of the better games on the schedule and a win in Orlando will most certainly be a statement to skyrocket the 'Noles. There will still be a ton of football to be played as the season takes shape but a second straight victory against LSU could open the door for a potential playoff push.
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the spring
